Which players could potentially follow newly hired general manager Adam Peters to the Washington Commanders in time for the 2024 season?
The Washington Commanders pulled off a tremendous coup by securing Adam Peters as their next general manager. There is a lot of hard work ahead for the respected front office figure, who'll lead the football operations and work closely with Josh Harris to put their grand plans for progression into motion.
Immediate attention centers on assessing current front office personnel. The Commanders must also find the right head coach, with speculation mounting about Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson potentially joining the ranks. After that, it's time to begin molding the roster into a competitive unit capable of improvements next season.
Washington is rich in draft assets and boasts the league's most salary-cap space currently. There are a lot of holes to fill, but Peters' experience with winning organizations throughout his blossoming career leaves nothing but optimism for the future.
With this in mind, here are five players who might end up following Peters to the Commanders in 2023.
Commanders could sign Tashaun Gipson (S)
With Kamren Curl out of contract and Percy Butler failing to make the strides needed in Year 2 of his professional career, the Washington Commanders have questions at the safety spot. This could be rectified via a draft pick from the college ranks, but a veteran presence in the short term might also be an option for Adam Peters to ponder.
Tashaun Gipson Sr. will be 34 years old by the time Washington's 2024 season begins. This would be nothing more than a stopgap, but his production for the San Francisco 49ers this season from 95 percent of the team's defensive snaps shows no signs of slowing down.
The Commanders should hopefully retain Curl. However, having a veteran leader on the backend capable of impacting the game in all phases such as Gipson is worth considering.
Commanders could sign Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL)
The Washington Commanders' once-vaunted defensive front didn't reach expectations in 2023. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne couldn't meet the lofty contracts. With the team's fortunes fading fast, Josh Harris opted to trade the defensive end duo of Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the deadline.
Allen's made no secret about his unhappiness. Whether this results in a trade away from the Commanders this offseason remains to be seen. That's a massive call for general manager Adam Peters to make. Much will also depend on how the new head coach sees things.
Either way, the Commanders could use some additional depth on their defensive line. The likes of Efe Obada, Casey Toohill, and James Smith-Williams are out of contract and might not return. Could Peters turn to one of the San Francisco 49ers' final transactions before taking the Washington job in pursuit of filling the void?
Sebastien Joseph-Day was picked up extremely late in the process after being waived by the Los Angeles Chargers. This was done with a view to the former sixth-round selection landing on a contending team. He got his wish.
Joseph-Day might not set the world alight as a starter, but he is a dependable option capable of stepping in at a moment's notice. He can generate pressure from the interior and hold his own against the run. Again, this is probably a short-term option, but the Commanders must find the right balance between veterans and long-term pieces to hit the ground running in 2024.
Commanders could sign Sam Darnold (QB)
Perhaps the biggest conundrum facing the Washington Commanders from a playing personnel standpoint centers on the quarterback position. It looked like Sam Howell could be the answer long-term once upon a time. His steep regression in difficult circumstances over the second half of 2023 all but guarantees extra reinforcements are coming.
Veteran backup Jacoby Brissett will likely depart in free agency. The Commanders also hold the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting them in a strong position to select someone like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. Howell's future is also up in the air following a rollercoaster first season as the No. 1 option.
If Brissett leaves, the Commanders could allocate some of their substantial financial resources to finding another veteran. Especially considering quarterbacks taken in the top five come with expectations to start right away in the modern-day NFL.
Adam Peters was part of the brain trust that signed Sam Darnold in free agency last year. Things haven't gone according to plan for the former No. 3 overall selection out of USC. His time with the New York Jets was a disaster. His trade to the Carolina Panthers didn't come off. He's played second-fiddle to Brocky Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers, which is likely to be the signal-caller's role moving forward.
This season highlighted the need to have a stable backup at football's most crucial position. If Howell is traded - which is entirely possible with the Commanders in the market for the latest hot prospect from the college ranks - acquiring an experienced figure such as Darnold is almost guaranteed.
Commanders could trade for Brandon Aiyuk (WR)
The San Francisco 49ers have been a juggernaut on both sides of the football this season. When everyone is healthy, they are almost unbeatable. Something that could see Kyle Shanahan's men hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy if the same trend continues during the postseason.
Having a seventh-round rookie contract to build around at the quarterback position has provided the Niners with extra flexibility. But they have some important upcoming decisions with just $1.35 million in available funds during the 2024 offseason.
This should increase once cap sacrifices and contract restructures are confirmed. However, it doesn't change the fact keeping everyone happy is an almost impossible task despite Brock Purdy's minimal salary as Mr. Irrelevant.
If the Niners opt to trade one or two established stars to ease their burden, Brandon Aiyuk is someone for the Washington Commanders to monitor. The gifted wide receiver is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. He's enjoyed a fabulous campaign, gaining 75 receptions from 105 targets for 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He represents a legitimate No. 1 option who can turn any game on its head when in the mood.
The Commanders already have Terry McLaurin - one of the most consistent pass-catchers around. But with Curtis Samuel out of contract and Jahan Dotson failing to take the necessary strides forward, more is needed to assist any rookie quarterback coming into the fold.
It's an exceptionally deep wide receiver draft class this year, which would be the cheaper option. Aiyuk is a proven commodity and when it's all said and done, stranger things have happened in the NFL that's for sure.
Commanders could re-sign Chase Young (DE)
This would be objectively hilarious. Although highly unlikely, let's examine the possibility in greater detail.
Chase Young was once touted as a generational defensive end coming out of Ohio State. His rookie campaign came with individual accolades aplenty. After that, injuries and poor performance meant things tailed off dramatically.
Young looked back to something like his old self this season. It wasn't enough for the Washington Commanders to improve results-wise. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a conditional third-round pick as a result.
This was the fresh start Young was looking for. It also gave the Commanders another top-100 selection to utilize as part of their rebuild. The relationship between the edge player and Ron Rivera had soured. Now that a new regime led by Adam Peters is running the show, could an almost instant reunion be something to contemplate?
As previously stated, the Niners are up against it from a salary-cap standpoint right now. Young is after a long-term extension after the Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option. If his demands are too high, a situation could emerge where he tests the open market.
Young wouldn't be short of offers in this scenario. He's still young and about to enter his prime. And in all honesty, both parties have moved on.
Still, never say never.